Dozens of local leaders and community members crossed the bridge for the first time Monday afternoon during ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The new bridge took 17 months and $15 millions to build, and now all six lanes are open to traffic.

The original bridge was constructed in 1912.

Assistant Director of Public Works Steve Fink said, “I think this is an important east-west corridor for the city and for the region.”

Ann Stevens with Montgomery County Jobs and Family Services said, “Obviously, the convenience can’t be measured. We need the bridge enormously.”

People who work on nearby Brown Street said the bridge reopening means more money in their pocket.

Keri Christ-Wagner who works at Flyers Spirit Store said, “For the last 20 years, people would go to the game the same way and when it was closed it confused them and frustrated them. So, they don’t want to spend money when they are confused and frustrated.”

Wagner said, “We’ve been counting down the days for the bridge to reopen.”

The goal of the city was to only disrupt one University of Dayton basketball season, and for the most part, they said they have done that.

Wagner said the reopening of the bridge gives people the option on Brown Street to eat, shop and come after the game.